Story by Mthokozisi Dube
LOG leaders, Ngezi Platinum Stars will be hoping to consolidate their position when they entertain league returnees Hwange in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer league match set for Baobab stadium this Saturday.
On pole position having amassed 23 points from six wins, and five draws, Ngezi Platinum Stars will be hoping to continue with their rich vein of form despite a three-week break.
The Mhondoro-based side which started on a good note under Takesure Chiragwi are thirsty for the league title and maintaining the purple patch may position the side well to wrestle the crown from fellow platinum side, FC Platinum.
Despite the good form, coach Takesure Chiragwi is preferring to take each game as it comes.
“I think the preparations went well. We are happy with the break, it was for everyone not us alone so I think it gives advantage but the rhythm has been affected. They are circumstances that can arise and you have no control over them. Coming to the game we are ok . We just need to come back well after posting a win over Yadah. So far so good the boys are ready. We want to come back strong. We are happy with our preparations,” he said.
On the other hand, Hwange’s Nation Dube is optimistic of cooling Ngezi Platinum’s tempo.
“We are back and we have put in some preparations ahead of the game. We are facing a side that has been doing well before the break but we are ready for the game,” he noted.
The two sides which faced-off during the pre-season campaign are separated by eight points on the PSL log standings, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster.
Premier Soccer League action resumes this Saturday with Bulawayo Chiefs welcoming Green Fuel at Luveve, while Manica Diamonds date Sheasham at Gibbo.
FC Platinum welcome Chicken Inn at Mandava as ZPC Kariba entertain Yadah at Nyamhunga.
On Sunday, the epic Battle of Cities is set to ignite Barbourfields stadium as CAPS United host Highlanders.
Elsewhere, Black Rhinos and Dynamos invade the City of Progress for a league clash at Gweru’s Bata Stadium as Triangle and Craneborne Bullets meet at Gibbo.
The fixture between Herentals and Simba Bhora set for Mandava concludes Match Day 13 fixtures.
